Environmentalists allege civic body is ignoring their real habitat

In a move that has sparked outrage among environmentalists and citizens alike, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation's (NMMC) decision to invest millions in artificial flamingos while neglecting the preservation of real flamingo habitats has come under scrutiny. Despite being called "Flamingo City" during the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan 2021-22, recent actions by the municipal corporations have raised serious concerns about their commitment to environmental conservation.

The controversy stems from the lifting of reservations on 300 acres of wetlands, crucial habitats for real flamingos, to make way for cement buildings. These wetlands, which attract millions of flamingos annually, have been vital for the birds' sustenance, particularly during their extended stay of 7 to 8 months. Popular sites such as Chanakya Lake in Nerul and the lake adjacent to DPS School have been frequented by bird enthusiasts from across Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai.

However, the decision by CIDCO to convert these reserved wetlands into residential areas has drawn condemnation. Despite significant investments in artificial flamingos and the branding of the city as Flamingo City, critics argue that the municipal corporation's actions contradict their purported commitment to environmentalism.

Environmentalists Sunil Agarwal and Bharat Gupta have vehemently opposed the encroachment on real flamingo habitats and threatened legal action if the wetland reservations are not maintained. Additionally, the opposition, led by the Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray faction, has joined forces with concerned citizens to protest the decision.

Ambadas Danve, Leader of the Opposition in the Vidhan Parishad, visited the affected site in Seawoods to assess the situation first hand. Yuva Sena chief Aditya Thackeray has also expressed solidarity with environmental activists, vowing to challenge the allocation of wetland lands for residential complexes, said Sameer Bagwan, Seawoods Head of Division, Shiv Sena (UBT).